You've heard that speed kills. But stress also kills – in fact, it's been said that stress kills more people every year than all other diseases combined.
Richard Carlson, the imminent psychologist and writer of the book, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff," has some wonderful ideas for reducing stress by turning off the worry button. Another of his books, "Slow Down to the Speed of Life," sends a powerful message: You invite stress in your life when you waste time going over and over problems – past mistakes, family disputes, regrets, decisions.
An over-the-road driver spending hours behind the wheel is a pretty good candidate for this kind of thinking. Instead of enjoying the moment, the passing parade, it's easy to let the mind meander to the past or the future. It builds up extra stress and accomplishes nothing.
Drivers experience heavy stress just doing the job, with its dangers, breakdowns, waiting, late deliveries, construction delays, lousy weather. Recalling past problems and speculating on future obstacles adds to your load of stress.
The most common sources of a trucker's stress are customer relations, supervisors and management, brokers, repair facility staff, and family. Here's how to reduce that stress:
Customer relations: Try to get on a first-name basis with receivers. Be reliable in keeping delivery deadlines. Consider giving a small gift to the receiver to indicate your appreciation – a coffee mug might buy you a lot of goodwill. Be pleasant and positive in voicing your concerns and complaints.
Supervisors and management: Try to build a relationship with them outside of work, maybe over a cup of coffee. Your aim is to have a working relationship like this: "You let me make a couple of mistakes, and in turn I will let you make a couple of mistakes." This could help reduce tension and build loyalty.
Brokers: Your broker is another person you should meet with and air your feelings about how you expect to be treated. The goal is to develop respect without having to meet unreasonable delivery deadlines that foster endless complaints. Promote your reliability and let him know you expect his loyalty.
Repair facilities: If you have a reliable shop that respects you and promptly delivers real solutions at a fair price, then treat them like a best friend. If it's a company shop, treat it as you would if you were paying for the service personally. This will expedite management approval and faster service, reducing stress.
Family: Coming home to some drivers means a few hours rest, a few meals, then off again. Not many families can hang together for the long haul with this kind of behavior. Try to make some special time while you're home, and while you're gone, phone home often.
You can't eliminate stress altogether. In fact, many experts say a cupful of stress is necessary. It's what gives your "get-up-and-go," the motivation to do your best work and the drive to support your family. A cupful is one thing, but a barrel full year after year, can, and should, be avoided.
